Rumour Mill: Partick eye Celtic ace | Mackay-Steven and Janko loans | Willie Collum slammed

Partick keen on loan deal for Callum McGregor; Gary Mackay-Steven and Saidy Janko could go out on loan and McInnes slams Collum over penalty calls

Partick Thistle are hopeful of landing Callum McGregor on a loan deal. Picture: John Devlin

Hoops could send Mackay-Steven and Janko out on loan

CELTIC could also let Saidy Janko and Gary Mackay-Steven head out on loan in the second half of the season.

Mackay-Steven has struggled to hold down a regular starting berth in the attacking midfield trio, with Stuart Armstrong, Kris Commons and James Forrest all preferred ahead of the ex-Dundee United wideman.

Gary Mackay-Steven could be heading out on loan. Picture: Gordon Fraser

Janko has made just six appearances since joining in the summer, while Mackay-Steven has played 15 times.

Ronny Deila is believed to be eyeing permanent deals for players rather than loan signings in the January window so would not bring in temporary replacements. (Sunday Herald)

Partick keen on McGregor

PARTICK Thistle are eyeing a loan move for Callum McGregor, with Celtic expected to sanction the deal for the attacking midfielder if new faces arrive at Parkhead.

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McGregor has been in and out of the Celtic squad this season but could leave on loan to get more game time. (Scottish Sun)

McInnes slams Collum over penalty calls

ABERDEEN boss Derek McInnes laid into referee Willie Collum yesterday, claiming the whistler got several penalty calls wrong in the Dons’ 2-2 draw with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

McInnes reckons Collum - who is set to referee during Euro 2016 - got both penalty awards wrong, calling ICT’s penalty ‘soft’ and insisting that the Dons should have had a penalty right at the death after Carl Tremarco handled in the box. (Daily Record)

Mocinic can be big hit at Celtic, says Jozo

JOZO Simunovic reckons Ivan Mocinic would be a great signing for Celtic.

Simunovic reckons his compatriot has all the qualities to be a hit at Parkhead, saying: “He’s a very good player and I think he could do very well in Scotland. I know he has improved over the past few years.” (Various)

Warburton ‘will get cash to strengthen squad’

RANGERS managing director Stewart Robertson insists Mark Warburton will be given funds to strengthen the Ibrox side in January.

The ex-Brentford boss has made use of the loan window in recent months, but Robertson maintains there will be money available next month to bring in new players. (Scottish Sun)

McGregor points to Stubbs’ influence

DARREN McGregor reckons Hibernian’s run of form is partly down to Alan Stubbs’ insistence on always fighting the club’s corner. (Scotland on Sunday)

Shakhtar Donetsk want Dundee United feeder club arrangement

SHAKHTAR Donetsk reps have reportedly approached Dundee United with a view to the Tannadice club and the Ukrainian giants linking up.

Depsite Tannadice sources playing down the claims, the Sunday Mail reports that the club has been approached by agents working on behalf of Shakhtar Donetsk. (Daily Record)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Hearts midfielder Arnaud Djoum has conceded that his title-challengers comment may have hindered rather than helped the Tynecastle club

• Everton are keen on Bournemouth and Scotland midfielder Matt Ritchie

• Alex Rae has called on St Mirren to be ‘braver’ if they want to avoid consecutive relegations